Make your assessment practical
Track your first steps.
Note how your heel feels on the first steps in the morning and after sitting, and any recent changes to activity, work shifts or footwear.
About Achilles and heel pain
Achilles tendinopathy involves pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the ankle, often linked to changes in activity. Pain under the heel is commonly associated with the plantar fascia. Both can develop gradually and affect walking, standing and sport.
What happens at your appointment
We discuss your symptoms and activity history and assess calf strength, ankle movement and how you walk or hop where appropriate. If a sudden snap or loss of push-off strength occurred, we will advise urgent medical review.
Care options we may discuss
- A graded tendon-loading or strengthening program.
- Advice on activity, work and training changes.
- Footwear and orthotic considerations with Keep Me Walking Podiatry where helpful.
- Progress reviews and plan adjustments.
Tendon and heel conditions can take time to settle, and responses vary between people.
When to seek medical help first
Seek prompt medical care if you felt a sudden pop or snap at the back of the ankle, cannot rise onto your toes, or the area is hot, red and swollen.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell. See your GP promptly if pain follows a fall or accident, keeps getting worse, wakes you every night, or comes with fever, unexplained weight loss or other new symptoms.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home or WorkCover appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking.
Helpful questions.
Should I see a physio or a podiatrist?
Both professions see heel and Achilles concerns. Keep Me Walking offers both, so your care can include either or both where useful.
Should I stop exercising?
Not necessarily. Many plans adjust activity rather than stopping it. Your physiotherapist can help you plan.
Can I use my health fund?
If your extras cover includes physiotherapy, you may be able to claim a benefit. See fees and rebates.
More information: healthdirect: heel pain. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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